KARL Robinson reckons Oxford United’s experiences during Covid have helped them adapt to their disrupted pre-season schedule.

The U’s host Peterborough United today in a postponed ‘double-header’, where two matches will take place alongside each other at their training ground (1pm).

The friendly was pushed back a day after three United players tested positive for coronavirus, forcing a further nine to self-isolate.

Most of the 12 are now out of isolation and will be available this afternoon, although some may have to wait until Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.

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It is far from ideal, but Robinson insists playing during the pandemic has enabled them to cope.

The U’s head coach said: “In the Oxford (City) game we were a bit sluggish, but against Salford the next day they looked bright and energetic.

“The young lads are training with us more and it has lifted their levels.

“There seems to be a flow to us, we’re in a good place.

“What we have learnt over the last 14 months is the controllables are the things you can rectify.

“Some of these things are the uncontrollables and you just have to roll with those punches.

“We’ve done that quite well.”

The three positive tests were recorded after United beat Salford City in a behind closed doors friendly on July 17.

Those players, and the nine who had been in close proximity, were forced to self-isolate for ten days.

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It saw several youngsters called-up for the 9-0 thrashing of Hayes & Yeading last Tuesday, before a team comprised almost entirely of teenagers beat Banbury United 3-0 the following evening.

The U’s cancelled last Saturday’s friendly at Birmingham City and played an in-house game instead, while they have arranged an additional fixture at their training ground for early next week.

Steve Seddon could make his first appearance in a United shirt today, having signed from Birmingham last Thursday.

Peterborough will be without striker Jack Marriott, who misses the game with a knee injury.

Darren Ferguson’s side were promoted to the Sky Bet Championship last season after finishing second behind Hull City.

They were unbeaten in three meetings with United, taking four points off them in Sky Bet League One and winning 2-1 at the Kassam Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup.